As the September 15 deadline for linking National Identification Numbers (NIN) to Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards approaches, many subscribers are experiencing significant difficulties with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) portal. This has led to widespread frustration and concern about meeting the deadline.

Adeolu Ogungbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), described the situation as “terrible” after visiting telecom centers such as MTN and Airtel. He criticized the current issues with the portal, which are preventing many from completing their NIN-SIM linkage.

“We urge the NCC and NIMC to work together to improve the portal’s capacity, reduce congestion at telecom centers, and provide adequate support staff to ensure a seamless process,” Ogungbanjo said. He expressed concern that if the issues are not addressed urgently, many subscribers may not meet the deadline.

Ogungbanjo noted that the NIMC website often experiences congestion when large numbers of people attempt to access it simultaneously. The problem is exacerbated when many people try to use the site close to the deadline.

“When you go to the NIMC office in Alausa, Lagos, you will experience the same congestion,” he explained. “It takes too much time, and it’s only seamless when not many people are trying to access the website. The congestion is likely due to many people waiting until the last minute.”

The NIMC and the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) had previously announced that over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NIN, representing a 96 percent compliance rate. However, there is growing concern that the remaining four percent may struggle to meet the deadline due to ongoing portal issues.

In response, the NIMC has assured the public that its centers are open and fully functional. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, stated that the agency’s primary role is to provide NINs and ensure that telcos link these numbers to SIM cards. He emphasized that NIMC has adequate capacity and has never lacked resources.

Adegoke also highlighted efforts to educate Nigerians on obtaining NIN through social media and other channels to facilitate a smoother process.

The NIN-SIM linkage policy, introduced in 2020, aims to enhance national security and reduce fraudulent activities. The NCC has stated that this exercise is crucial for improving the integrity of the mobile network.

In the first half of 2024, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa reported barring a combined 13.5 million lines due to verification issues. MTN barred 8.6 million lines, while Airtel barred 8.7 million, with 4.9 million customers remaining unverified as of Airtel’s last update.

As the deadline approaches, both NIMC and NCC are under pressure to resolve these issues to ensure that all subscribers can comply with the NIN-SIM linkage requirements.